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How to apply for new Aadhaar card — step-by-step (2026, UIDAI)

Step-by-step Aadhaar enrolment guide. Book appointment, walk in, biometrics, e-Aadhaar download. Free for first enrolment.

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—how-to-apply:aadhaar [2026/05/05 04:27] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +{{htmlmetatags>
 +metatag-keywords=(apply for aadhaar, aadhaar enrolment online, new aadhaar application, uidai apply, aadhaar card kaise banaye)
 +metatag-description=(Step-by-step Aadhaar enrolment guide. Book appointment, walk in, biometrics, e-Aadhaar download. Free for first enrolment.)
 +}}
 +
 +====== How to apply for new Aadhaar card — step-by-step (2026, UIDAI) ======
 +
 +{{:social:auto:how-to-apply-aadhaar.png?direct&1200 |How to apply for new Aadhaar card — step-by-step (2026, UIDAI) — RTI Wiki}}
 +
 +<WRAP info>
 +**Quick answer:** Aadhaar enrolment is **free** at any UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK). You cannot apply for Aadhaar online — biometrics must be captured in person. **Total time:** 30–45 min at the centre + 7–30 days for the card to be generated. e-Aadhaar download is instant after enrolment using the EID.
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Who can apply (eligibility) =====
 +  * Resident in India (any nationality) for **182+ days in last 12 months**
 +  * No age limit — newborns can be enrolled (re-enrolment at age 5 + 15 mandatory)
 +
 +===== Step-by-step process =====
 +  - **Locate a centre** — Search at appointments.uidai.gov.in or call 1947. Centres are at India Post offices, banks, BSNL offices, and dedicated ASKs.
 +  - **Book an appointment (optional)** — Online slot booking at book.uidai.gov.in. Walk-ins accepted but expect waiting.
 +  - **Carry original documents** — %%PoI%% + %%PoA%% + %%PoDOB%% (one each from UIDAI list). Originals only — photocopies rejected.
 +  - **Fill the enrolment form** — Available at the centre. Mention name as on documents. Add mobile number for OTP services.
 +  - **Biometric capture** — Operator captures 10 fingerprints, both iris scans, and a photo. Children under 5: photo only.
 +  - **Verify your data** — Operator shows screen for confirmation. Check spelling, %%DoB%%, address before signing.
 +  - **Collect the acknowledgement** — You get a printed slip with **EID (Enrolment ID)** — 14 digits + 14-digit timestamp. Keep this safe.
 +  - **Track and download** — Status at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/check-aadhaar-status. Download e-Aadhaar (PDF) once generated — equivalent to physical card.
 +
 +===== Where to apply, fee, and timeline =====
 +  * **Online portal:** [[https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in|UIDAI myAadhaar]]
 +  * **Offline:** Any Aadhaar Seva Kendra, India Post Aadhaar centres, designated banks. Use the centre locator at uidai.gov.in.
 +  * **Fee:** **Free** for first enrolment. Biometric updates ₹100. Address-only updates online ₹50.
 +  * **Timeline:** **7–30 days** typically for Aadhaar generation after biometric capture. Some QC holds take longer.
 +
 +===== What documents to keep ready =====
 +See our complete checklist: [[:documents:aadhaar-new-enrolment|Documents required for aadhaar]] — covers mandatory + optional + size/format specs.
 +
 +===== Common issues + how to handle =====
 +  * **QC hold** — biometrics quality flagged. Visit the same centre for re-capture (free within 90 days).
 +  * **Name mismatch** — fix via myAadhaar online (Rs 50) or in-person (Rs 100).
 +  * **Centre denial** — UIDAI cannot deny enrolment to a resident. If denied, file complaint at 1947 or RTI.
 +  * **Slow generation (>30 days)** — file RTI to UIDAI Regional Office; cite Aadhaar Act §7.
 +
 +===== If your application is delayed or rejected — file an RTI =====
 +
 +Most "delays" or "rejections" clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
 +
 +<code>
 +1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
 +2. The name + designation of the dealing officer assigned to my file.
 +3. The reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
 +4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
 +5. The likely date of issuance of my certificate / approval.
 +</code>
 +
 +**Auto-fill the PIO details + your case:** [[:rti-for-aadhaar-update|Open the RTI Drafter →]]
 +
 +**Or browse state-wise scheme procedures:** [[:scheme-state:aadhaar-update:start|All state portals + RTI templates]]
 +
 +**Track your application status:** [[:check-status:aadhaar-status|How to check status guide]]
 +
 +===== Frequently asked questions =====
 +==== Can I apply for Aadhaar online? ====
 +No — biometric capture must be in person. Online booking is only for appointment slots.
 +
 +==== Is Aadhaar mandatory? ====
 +For most welfare schemes (PDS, LPG, MGNREGA, scholarships), yes. For PAN linking, mandatory. SC has held it cannot be made mandatory for school admission, exam registration, or basic services.
 +
 +==== What if I have no %%PoI%%/%%PoA%% documents? ====
 +Use the **Introducer route** — a registered Introducer at the centre can vouch for you. Or get a gram-sabha letter (rural) / municipal letter (urban).
 +
 +==== How fast is e-Aadhaar valid? ====
 +Equivalent to physical card from day one. Govt offices, banks, telecoms must accept it (UIDAI gazette 2018).
 +
 +==== My Aadhaar is delayed beyond 30 days. What now? ====
 +File RTI to UIDAI Regional Office for status + reason. Use our [[:rti-for-aadhaar-update|AI Drafter]] for ready-to-send wording.
 +
 +===== Summary + what to do next =====
 +
 +<WRAP center round tip 90%>
 +**Bottom line:** Apply at **UIDAI myAadhaar** (https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in). Fee: **Free** for first enrolment. Biometric updates ₹100. Address-only updates online ₹50.. Timeline: **7–30 days** typically for Aadhaar generation after biometric capture. Some QC holds take longer.. If delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.
 +
 +  * **Start your application:** [[https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in|UIDAI myAadhaar]]
 +  * **Document checklist first:** [[:documents:aadhaar-new-enrolment|Required documents]]
 +  * **Track existing application:** [[:check-status:aadhaar-status|Status check guide]]
 +  * **If stuck — RTI Drafter:** [[:rti-for-aadhaar-update|File an RTI in 5 minutes]]
 +  * **Talk to other citizens:** [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI community]]
 +  * **Browse all how-to-apply guides:** [[:how-to-apply:start|All 25 application guides]]
 +</WRAP>
 +
 +===== Related reading =====
 +  * [[:check-status:start|How to check status — 25 high-traffic services]]
 +  * [[:documents:start|Documents required — 30 checklists]]
 +  * [[:state-rti-portals-directory|All state RTI portals]]
 +  * [[:citizen-rti-playbook|Full RTI Playbook — 100+ scenarios]]
 +
 +===== Sources =====
 +  * Official portal: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
 +  * Citizen feedback collected via [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/awaaz-rti.html|AwaazRTI]] (composite, identifying details removed).
 +  * Statutory references: see relevant Act sections.
 +
 +//Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.//
 +
 +{{tag>how-to-apply aadhaar citizen-services rti-fallback}}